Any place you go, restaurants and sports are the most popular topics of conversation. Around here, The Valley Book is the best source for honest assessments of what's good. "Our Picks" are places that we'd recommend for at least better-than-average meals of all kinds, from tavern grub to top tier, budget to big ticket. "Our Finds" are nice surprises that we've just discovered or old favorites that we've rediscovered.

Have you ever heard this one: You are what you eat! If you are really serious about what you are, you'll keep this department very close to you at all times so you can find the local places that are
serious about what they are and have the stuff you both need to be yourselves. Get it?

Whether you're a newcomer, old-timer, or just passing through, here's where it's all happening. Hotels, B&Bs, museums, live music and galleries. And for help planning the weekend, visit our on-line calendar or choose a day-trip destination from the Area Attractions.

Here you are, aching over the banality of your existence and debating with yourself about whether what you really need is a luscious leather chair or a piece of original artwork to make you feel priceless, a good cigar to puff in peace, a new dress, or maybe some new glasses to change your outlook. Make a decision!

When you want a break from everyday life, a visit with these experts leaves you renewed, relaxed — and looking wonderful! Barbers, stylists, nail salons and spas of every kind. Whether you need a haircut or a day of pampering, here’s where you’ll find The Valley's best.

Don't know how to sew? Need somebody to fix your computer? Why bury yourself in clutter when all you need is self-storage? Does framing something yourself make more sense? What if you need to call a locksmith? Or a taxi? Should you call pest control to eliminate pesky laggards who stick around your house after the holiday? All of the answers are here.

Keeping your professional and financial life on course is made easy with the banks, insurance agents, attorneys and accountants available in the Valley and the surrounding area — and you'll find them all here.

So what if you're not like Angelina Jolie, adopting an adorable global clan and getting them lots of toys and delivery pizza. You still don't have to be raising kids with lifelong tantrums and traumas like Joan Crawford's. Here's your survival guide. (See Recreation, Sunday Drives, Education, Pediatrics, or Pizza.

Seniors often have specialized healthcare needs. Whether you're looking for assisted living, a day or respite center, in-home care, a hearing specialist, medical equipment or home delivery for your prescriptions — look no further. They're all here.

Retirement is changing, with today's seniors on the go, looking for new challenges and adventures. Discover your lifestyle options right here.

Whether you're planning a huge party, an intimate wedding luncheon, a large wedding celebration, a corporate holiday party, or a neighborhood gathering, the details can be endless. The best caterers, florists, DJs and photographers are all right here. Have a great party!

Valley towns are acclaimed for their excellent public school systems, and the area's private independent schools, colleges and universities are among the best in the nation. Here, too, is where you'll find music, driving, dance and even quilting classes.

This year pet owners all over the Valley submitted pictures of their lovable creatures to compete for our Cutest Valley Pet award. We have a lot of winners since our judges couldn't resist how cute all the entries were and, of course, wanted to minimize the risk of any psychological damage to the owners.

This is the whole-family resource for the excellent healthcare available in the Greater Hartford area. Hospitals, physicians, specialists, rehab centers, labs and imaging facilities — all at your fingertips.

Any season of the year, there's something to do in the Valley. Swimming or a workout at the "Y," hiking McLean's trails, skiing at Sundown, a round of golf on one of many great courses, tubing on the Farmington, and tennis — indoors or out. Or maybe you're feeling like a bike ride or a paddle in a kayak. Here's your guide. You decide.

Inside or out, your home seems to need constant pampering or mundane repairs. Whether you head to the huge home improvement store, the corner hardware store, or decide that this project needs a professional, here’s where you can sort out your options.

In today's real estate market, you want the best folks working for you. The Valley's real estate sales professionals, appraisers, inspectors, relocation specialists and mortgage companies are featured in this section. And should you need a moat or a mower for your estate, new windows and doors, a kingly kitchen, or a new throne in your bath, you'll find that here, too.